subject: Knowing Causes Of Delaying Therapy Among Drug Addicts [print this page] Drug addiction plagues our society for several years and remains one of the leading problems among teens and young adults around the world. The gravity of its existence in many places has been left undocumented and unidentified due to lack of absolute focus and attention on the problem. From a broader point of view however, there are significant measures which are being undertaken by concerned individuals and institutions that offer support and help to those who suffer from substance abuse.
Causes of drug addiction can be so varied and unique for every addict. As much as prevention is better than cure, sometimes the option left is treatment because the problem could no longer be undone. It's unlikely but there are still many drug dependents that do not go through treatment for addiction. Some of the reasons they don't go under therapy are the following:
* Denial
Denial is a psychological defense mechanism. It's a refusal to acknowledge the existence and severity of unpleasant things around an individual. Many drug and alcohol dependents don't accept that they have a problem with alcohol or drug abuse. Every drink or drug intake has always an excuse. Justification of undesirable behaviour is often the easiest route to avoid further discussion and suggestion from family and friends.
* Lack of family support
A study was carried out on the effect of family members' relationship to seeking treatment by drug addicts and the result showed that there were more addicts who subjected themselves for therapy when family members give support and help than those who don't have any support at all. Part of the therapy offered in drug rehabilitation programs involve the family members of the drug dependents to participate and take part in the whole treatment process.
* Fear of the unknown
Every individual experiences feelings of fear specially about something we have never experienced or done before. Sober people feel it and almost always this emotion is doubled among those who suffer from drug abuse. Treatment is often perceived as a painful process and difficult. Hopelessness often cripples the addict and his family especially when self treatment has been tried and failed. The idea of treatment also involves added cost and dealing with unwanted past or events that caused the addiction. The thought alone of dealing with therapy creates vacillation in doing it.
The above mentioned reasons are not necessarily all present in every drug addict. But generally, it boils down to these 3 major concerns. When seeking treatment for oneself or for loved ones, it is best to get an understanding and background of existing drug treatment centers in the area so that these concerns will be decreased if not eliminated. Getting knowledge of existing programs and best options to take should be personalized and should be approached in a specific way that fits the patient.
